Abstract
Objective
to investigate risk factors for cardiovascular disease and understand the care practices of women.
Method
mixed convergent parallel. The quantitative stage was descriptive transversal with a form addressing demographic characteristics, socioeconomic, cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle and health habits; 289 women participated and descriptive statistics were applied. The qualitative step was based on participatory research, exploratory descriptive, through semi-structured interviews, creativity and sensitivity technique and narratives, with 30 women.
Results
factors were identified as sedentarism (60.9%), use of contraceptives (57.9%), stress (60.6%), depression (40.1%), obesity (38.8%), high blood pressure (33.6%), alcohol consumption (29.8%), smoking (16.6%), dyslipidemia (25.6%), and diabetes (10.0%). As for knowledge and care practices, the participants mentioned the factors, but some reported performing the care, and others did not, even though they recognized the risks. Thus, they shared the lack of time to perform physical exercises, difficulties to take care of the diet and adhere to antihypertensive treatment, and also reported feeling stressed.
Conclusion and implications for practice
modifiable factors were identified and women had knowledge about these, however, they differed on the care, demonstrating the importance of actions aimed at this population.
Keywords:
Cardiovascular Diseases; Nursing; Healthy Lifestyle; Risk Factors; Women